Affordable Housing in North Texas (Plano, Mesquite: for sale, houses, middle schools)

[NP78]

Originally Posted by Katana49

Not really... Just did a search on Realtor.com and there are only 49 homes listed in the 280-320k price range (and when you take into account stories of how people are putting up 10-20% over list to get a home, it's likely well above 300k). Out of those 49 homes, only 6 do not show as pending or contingent... that's not plenty of options for a city of 300k people.

It's a tight market overall. I doubt you would find it any different if you did $480-$520 as an example. It's not really unique to Plano, just the current market.

However, if someone is looking at $300k, I don't really think they will find Celina much easier than Plano. Definitely not Rockwall or Mansfield either at those price points as citidata suggested.

It's hard for almost all price points in the market right now obviously, but I think some of the best options for a modest budget combined with a desire for high performing schools are in the less trendy areas of Collin County (Central Plano, Murphy, etc.).

[mastershake575]

Something like North Garland highschool feeder or Euless Trinity Highschool feeder is about as close as your going to get in terms of "good ISD but somewhat affordable"

[WorldKlas]

Someone is selling new build manufactured homes in the HEBISD. I am an investor and looked into them but they will only sell to owners and the home park doesn’t allow renters. They are running in the high $100K’s and are nice looking.

[Leonard123]

Originally Posted by citidata18

Maybe Rockwall or Mansfield?

But full stop, you're not getting into any of the northern suburbs with "decent" schools at an "affordable" price unless you're ok with living way out in Celina or Anna.

I don't know about rent, but according to realtor.com, Celina's median list price is half a million, with $/sq ft higher than Frisco. I would consider McKinney among the more affordable spots in these northern suburbs for the middle class right now. When buying in Texas, affordability isn't just about the cost of a house. Tax rates should be a consideration, and often times the cheaper the housing, the higher the tax rate. Rockwall, however, does have a relatively low tax rate.

[NoClueWho]

Originally Posted by widespreadfan

Where does someone go to get affordable housing in a decent ISD? I do not think I have the answer.

I have the answer, and you're not going to like it.

Honestly...these days? OUTSIDE of DFW.

Unless you want to have a 2 hour morning commute from Celina or Anna every day, or want to pay $200k for an old dump in Mesquite or South Garland that needs 100k in repairs and upgrades.

[TDub1986]

Originally Posted by WorldKlas

Someone is selling new build manufactured homes in the HEBISD. I am an investor and looked into them but they will only sell to owners and the home park doesn’t allow renters. They are running in the high $100K’s and are nice looking.

Where in HEB is this?

The obvious answer to the OP's question is the HEB area. I know it's not sexy, but we searched exhaustively for anything decent as far as quality home, affordable, and had a quality district and this was really the only area that came close. I know a lot depends on the commute, but the commute to Dallas from here is probably no worse than 75 or the tollway each morning. I work around the 635/75 area and it only takes me 25-30 minutes each way (I also leave early).

You can easily find a decent 4 bed 3 bath for under $300k still but you'll have to act quick.

[WorldKlas]

Originally Posted by TDub1986

Where in HEB is this?

The obvious answer to the OP's question is the HEB area. I know it's not sexy, but we searched exhaustively for anything decent as far as quality home, affordable, and had a quality district and this was really the only area that came close. I know a lot depends on the commute, but the commute to Dallas from here is probably no worse than 75 or the tollway each morning. I work around the 635/75 area and it only takes me 25-30 minutes each way (I also leave early).

You can easily find a decent 4 bed 3 bath for under $300k still but you'll have to act quick.

Did a search on Redfin for properties under 200k. Here’s a screen shot of one

[move4ward]

Originally Posted by WorldKlas

Did a search on Redfin for properties under 200k. Here’s a screen shot of one

This appears to be their website: https://www.harstonwoods.com/harston...s-tx/residents

The price of the manufactured housing compares favorably to condos.

[castlebravo92]

Originally Posted by citidata18

Maybe Rockwall or Mansfield?

But full stop, you're not getting into any of the northern suburbs with "decent" schools at an "affordable" price unless you're ok with living way out in Celina or Anna.

New houses in Celina aren't cheap either.

[ChristieP]

Originally Posted by WorldKlas

Did a search on Redfin for properties under 200k. Here’s a screen shot of one

Those look very interesting. They appear to be "modular" homes that are placed on a permanent foundation.
The community is in south Hurst along Trinity Blvd. it's not the greatest location as far as convenience goes, but the price is certainly affordable.